Secretary Benson kicks off 2024 Campus Voter Registration Challenge

Michigan universities competing for the most student voter registrations and absentee ballot requests before upcoming Presidential Election

LANSING, Mich. - Today, in a video message released with the presidents of six Michigan universities, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the 2024 Campus Voter Registration Challenge. Students at each campus will compete against their conference rivals to see which school gets the most student voter registrations and absentee ballot requests before the start of Michigan's in-person early voting period for the Presidential Election.

"I'm excited to announce the 2024 Campus Voter Registration Challenge - a friendly, nonpartisan competition between state campus rivals to see who can register the most eligible students to vote and request their absentee ballots for the Presidential Election," Secretary Benson said. "Get registered now and let the games begin! Visit Michigan.gov/StudentVoting to learn more and get registered today. And don't forget to vote!"

Representing the Mid-American Conference (MAC), Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, and Western Michigan University will face off against each other.

WATCH: Michigan MAC Campus Voter Registration Challenge 2024

"Let's go Eagles! Let's get registered to vote this fall," said Eastern Michigan University President James M. Smith. "Eastern Michigan University is proud to participate in Michigan Secretary of State's Campus Voter Registration Challenge."

"Fire Up the vote! - Central Michigan University is going to win this challenge," Central Michigan University President Robert O. Davies said. We're going to get every eligible student to register to vote!"

"Let's go Broncos and get every eligible student registered to vote this fall!" said Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery.

Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, and Wayne State University will compete as members of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

WATCH: Michigan GLIAC 2024 Campus Voter Registration Challenge

"I encourage you here, as Bulldogs, to ensure that our students at Ferris State are focused on what it means to have our voice heard," said Ferris State University President Bill Pink.

"Lakers! Let's anchor up and get registered to vote this fall," said Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella.

"We are Warrior Strong," said Wayne State University President Kimberly Andrews Espy. "So, let's come away with this win!"

The school from each conference with the largest number of student registrations and absentee ballot requests submitted by Oct. 21 will be crowned the winner and recognized for their outstanding achievement in civic engagement.

Students who want to participate in the Challenge can register to vote and/or request their absentee ballots through their institution's unique URL at Michigan.Gov/StudentVoting.

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